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Plan your living room effectively with Devika Khosla, Creative Director of The Works Interiors
Feature courtesy GoodHomes
Today, the living room has become a versatile space in every home. For the past few years, most of us have had to work from our homes. With the entire family sharing this space, its design and utility deserve more thought. And, with such a variety of furniture pieces, materials, fabrics, accessories and decor items to choose from, it could get challenging to decide on the look you want and to execute that efficiently. Here is a cheat sheet to help you plan your living room…
1 Measure The Room Properly
Calculate the dimensions of the living room, noting the heights of the openings (doors and windows) and the fixed furniture you want to retain. Putting together a plan with the correct measurements is an efficient way to start the process. Next, draw a furniture layout, keeping in mind the ease of access and flow of movement. Be mindful of sizes, as pieces too large or too small will look disproportionate.
2 Pick Your style
What is your furniture aesthetic? You need to determine the vibe and style of the space for a cohesive look, so work out whether your preference is modern, mid-century modern, contemporary, minimalistic or eclectic. Once you’ve decided on the style of the room, add furniture accordingly. Keep in mind that all the pieces – from the sofa and lounge chairs to the coffee table and end tables – should largely reflect the same style.
3 Keep Comfort & Functionality In Mind
Functionality and design are equally crucial when choosing furniture. Make sure the length, height and depth of these are based on the size of and space in the room. The ideal height should be 17” for a sofa, and the depth can range anything from 30” to 36”, depending on the space and how much sitting area one needs.
4 Consider Tables & Consoles
Coffee tables and consoles are also important features of the living room. Selecting the correct shape, design details, and material is crucial. Whether the finish is veneer, stone, coloured or textured, one significant detail can help pull together the space’s design aesthetic.
5 Get Relativity Right
Getting furniture heights right in the living room is essential, especially for furniture pieces with relative functions. For instance, the height of the sofa and the coffee table should be such that they complement each other or else the flow of movement would be uncomfortable.
6 Check On Quality
The living room is used daily by family members and occasionally to entertain guests. Hence, it is essential to have sturdy and functional furniture that will last long without losing out on style and design.
7 Factor In Fireplaces & Air Conditioners
Depending on your climate, you might need a fireplace. Research what type of fireplace would best suit your home – a modern or traditional one with logs. Similarly, air conditioning wiring and piping need to be planned for concealment. These factors will also determine furniture placement.
8 Light Up And Hide The Evidence
Mood lighting and the correct placement of lamps can enhance the ambience. Lampshades that resonate with the overall design style and the correct lumens on bulbs can enliven the entire space. Make note of the existing light points and the additional points you need to get the right ambience for the different uses of the same space, such as working, relaxing and hosting guests. Have a plan for concealing the wiring too. If your living room has a TV and media console, check whether it needs to be wall-mounted or placed on the console; plan the wiring accordingly.
9 Furnish Right
Furnishings such as curtains, throws, rugs and cushions are an essential part of the layering that gives your space its look and style. Choosing the right textures and colours is imperative. For example, a couple of colourful cushions can provide the required zing in a minimalistic design. Likewise, a rug adds warmth and makes an excellent addition to a living room.
A vital element of sofa and lounge chairs is the upholstery. There is a wide variety of options to choose from, ranging from cotton and linen to polyester in vivid colours, prints and textures. Assess the purpose and use of the furniture and narrow down the fabric accordingly. For instance, delicate silk should not be used to upholster a sofa; instead, opt for a sturdy material such as linen. Delicate silk can be used on a cushion instead.
10 Accessorise With Elan
Accessories, too, play a defining role in the overall look of a living room. Decor items such as plants freshen up the space and make for calming elements in a home. Similarly, paintings, photographs, sculptures and wall art are great ways to pull the look together while expressing your style. And don’t forget to build the ambience: fragrance through candles or essential oils will make your living room luxurious and inviting. Add fresh flowers to give the space a happy vibe and brighten up a dull day.
The living room is the centre stage of a house, and your personal touches will go a long way in making it a home. Stick to a style you really love rather than a trend, for those will come and go. The trick is to opt for something that you won’t tire of quickly, something you know you’re going to love for a while.
Images: Noughts & Crosses, Amit Mehra
Also read: Get Hands-On At Home
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